A square Portuguese-and-Dutch coastal fort guarding the causeway entrance to Mannar Island, with sturdy ramparts and corner bastions.

Overview

Mannar Fort stands just where the causeway meets Mannar Island, a compact square fortress with thick stone walls and a bastion at each corner overlooking the lagoon and estuary. Though weathered and only partly restored, its ramparts, gateway and inner ruins are atmospheric to explore, and the walls give wide views over the water and the town. It is the most prominent historic monument in the district and an easy first stop on arrival.

History

The fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1560 to control the strategic crossing between Mannar Island and the mainland and to guard the pearl-fishery coast. It surrendered to the Dutch in 1658 and was rebuilt by them in 1696 in the form seen today, before passing to the British. It later served as an administrative and garrison post and suffered damage during the civil war, after which conservation work began.